Support to a release and resettlement in Italy
Overview:
In Italy all prisoners and internees shall receive a particular support towards the end of their prison term, through social service interventions and a treatment programme oriented to the solution of specific needs, relevant to life conditions they will face once in the community (family, work, social environment). This is done in collaboration with the local probation service (UEPE) as well as volunteers which contact the family where the offender will leave upon release and agree upon the most adequate interventions.
Learning Objectives:
- The primary task of UEPE is community measures such as assignments for offenders/special categories, home detention, and semi-liberty.
- The assignment to the UEPE is a rehabilitation program carried out in the community under the supervision of probation officers.
- The concept of semi-liberty, where offenders can spend part of the day outside prison for work, education, or other activities contributing to their reintegration into society.
- UEPE role in executing alternative sanctions like semi-detention and monitored liberty to keep certain offenders out of prison.
- Judges can substitute sentences for certain durations with alternative sanctions such as semi-detention, monitored liberty, or fines.
- The UEPE also carries out actions for individuals sentenced to monitored liberty, contributing to their social rehabilitation.
- UEPE does not play a role in the decision-making process of judges
- UEPE has a liaison role between penitentiary institutions and the community, involving families and social services.
- UEPE officers observe and support offenders, participating in rehabilitation programs, working in multi-professional teams, and facilitating contacts regarding family relations and reintegration into society.
- UEPE provides special community service for young offenders.
